Description of the attraction
Palazzo Tezzano is a luxurious palace located in Piazza Stesikoro in the heart of Catania. The construction of the palace began in 1709 on land owned by Count Nicholas Tezzano, a famous surgeon of that era and in general a very outstanding person. He studied literature, philosophy and medicine, and at the age of 16 he received a diploma of higher education. In addition, Tezzano was directly involved in the restoration of Catania after the earthquake of 1693. He later donated the Palazzo building to the city council. Between 1720 and 1727, the palace was converted into a hospital by Alonso di Benedetto.
In 1837, due to the economic difficulties experienced by the management of the hospital, part of the palace was leased to the Bourbons to store the archives of the dynasty. A few years later - around 1844 - the office of the attorney general and the local forensic office were located here. At the same time, a project was created to completely rebuild the hospital and turn it into a court residence. However, the revolution of 1848 put an end to these plans. The transfer of the hospital to the premises located next to the Benedictine monastery of St. Nicholas took place only in 1878-1880. He was given the name Vittorio Emmanuele II. Palazzo Tezzano, in turn, remained the seat of the court until the completion of the construction of a specially designed building in Piazza Giovanni Verga, which took place in 1953. And during the years of the fascist regime, it housed the auditoriums of the medical faculty of the local university.
The U-shaped palace and courtyard are impressive. The main façade of the Palazzo overlooks Piazza Stesicoro, with a monumental balcony and clock tower. The main entrance to the palace is also located here. The façade is symmetrical: it is divided in height by false stone columns that contrast with the dark-colored stucco.
